Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad, Drops Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh

Harbhajan Singh Picks Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad selection has stirred debate among fans and experts. The two-time World Cup champion has excluded big names like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma from his preferred lineup. Instead, Harbhajan has backed experienced players such as Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah while introducing balance with all-rounders and spinners.

Harbhajan Singh’s Preferred Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Here is the team he suggested in an interview:

• Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer

• Captain: Suryakumar Yadav (C)

• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel

• Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul / Rishabh Pant (only one)

• Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

This squad leaves out some recent regulars like Samson and Tilak Varma, who have been part of India’s T20 setup in the past year. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Why Samson, Rinku, and Tilak Were Dropped

Sanju Samson has been a consistent performer in the IPL and in limited chances for India. Rinku Singh has built a reputation as a finisher, while Tilak Varma has impressed with his temperament. Yet, Harbhajan left them out.

He explained that India needs a mix of experienced players and specialists who can play longer innings. By picking KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant as the lone wicketkeeper, Harbhajan has effectively removed Samson from contention. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Rinku Singh’s omission reflects Harbhajan’s preference for all-rounders like Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar, who can contribute with both bat and ball. Tilak Varma’s absence might surprise many, but Harbhajan feels that Shubman Gill deserves a place ahead of him. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant: Who Should Keep Wickets?

Interestingly, Harbhajan did not include both Rahul and Pant in his squad. He suggested that India should pick only one of them as the wicketkeeper. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

“KL Rahul is a name that I didn’t take, but he can also be a very good option. One of him or Rishabh Pant should be there,” Harbhajan told The Times of India. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

This means Samson, despite being in the wicketkeeping pool, has no place in Harbhajan’s squad.

Harbhajan Singh’s Backing for Shubman Gill

One of the major highlights of Harbhajan’s squad is the inclusion of Shubman Gill. The newly-appointed Test captain did not feature in India’s T20Is in 2025 due to workload and format rotation. However, Harbhajan believes Gill has the skills to succeed in the shortest format. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

“Gill can play the format well and dominate as well. In T20 cricket, we don’t need only fours and sixes. Someone who can anchor and play a big innings is equally important,” Harbhajan explained.

Gill was the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2025, showing his ability to score consistently, which is why Harbhajan has backed him for the Asia Cup squad. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Bowling Choices: Siraj Over Shami

Harbhajan’s squad also makes bold calls in the bowling department. Instead of senior pacer Mohammed Shami or youngster Harshit Rana, he has opted for Mohammed Siraj. Siraj’s ability to swing the new ball and pick early wickets gives him an edge. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Alongside Siraj, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh form the pace trio. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and death bowling skills complement Bumrah’s yorkers and Siraj’s aggression. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

In spin, Harbhajan has selected Kuldeep Yadav as the frontline spinner, with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Riyan Parag providing spin all-round options. This adds depth to both batting and bowling.

Suryakumar Yadav to Continue as Captain

Harbhajan has made it clear that he wants Suryakumar Yadav to continue as India’s T20 captain. SKY has led the team in 2025 and impressed with his aggressive mindset. With his ability to play innovative shots and inspire the dressing room, Harbhajan feels SKY is the right man to lead India into the Asia Cup.

Backing him, Harbhajan said India needs someone bold in T20 cricket, and Suryakumar fits the bill perfectly.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Campaign

India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 journey against UAE on September 10. The tournament will serve as a key preparation step ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The squad announcement is expected on August 19, and it will be interesting to see if the selectors agree with Harbhajan’s vision. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Expert Take on Harbhajan’s Squad

Cricket experts have mixed opinions about Harbhajan’s choices. While many agree on Gill’s inclusion, the exclusion of Rinku Singh and Samson has sparked debate. Rinku, especially, has been India’s finisher in crunch moments, and leaving him out could be risky. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

On the other hand, Harbhajan’s emphasis on all-rounders provides balance, and his squad has depth in both batting and bowling. Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 squad

Harbhajan Singh Asia Cup 2025 Squad (Full List)

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. Abhishek Sharma

3. Shubman Gill

4. Shreyas Iyer

5. Suryakumar Yadav (C)

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Washington Sundar

8. Riyan Parag

9. Axar Patel

10. KL Rahul / Rishabh Pant (wk)

11. Kuldeep Yadav

12. Mohammed Siraj

13. Jasprit Bumrah

14. Arshdeep Singh

Harbhajan’s Final Word

Harbhajan’s Asia Cup squad shows a mix of youth and experience, with a strong focus on balance and versatility. While fans may be surprised by the absence of Samson, Rinku, and Tilak, the former spinner believes his chosen lineup can deliver results in the high-pressure tournament.

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